NCJ Number
54037
Date Published
1978
Length
40 pages
Annotation
THIS MANUAL OUTLINES AN ANTIARSON CAMPAIGN FOR COMMUNITIES AND STRESSES AGENCY INTERACTION, PUBLIC AWARENESS, LEGISLATIVE INDUCEMENT, AND JUDICIAL SUPPORT.
Abstract
THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE ALERTED TO THE SERIOUSNESS OF ARSON; THEY SHOULD BE TOLD THAT ARSON RESULTS IN LOSSES OF 5 TO 6 MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY AND CAUSES INSURANCE RATES, TAX RATES, AND UNEMPLOYMENT TO RISE. THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE AWARE THAT CITIZENS CAN HELP REDUCE ARSON INCIDENCE. EVERY TYPE OF MEDIA SHOULD BE USED TO SPREAD ARSON INFORMATION, BUT SPECIAL PAMPHLETS AND MINIFACT SHEETS USED AS UTILITY BILL OR PAY ENVELOPE STUFFERS CAN INCREASE THE IMPACT OF THE MESSAGE. THE GOAL OF THE PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN WILL BE TO ELIMINATE THE FUEL THAT ARSONISTS USE, ENCOURAGE CITIZENS TO SECURE THEIR HOMES AND BUSINESSES, PAVE THE WAY FOR STRONGER ANTIARSON CAMPAIGNS, AND PUT CITIZENS ON THE ALERT FOR SUSPICIOUS EVENTS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN COMBATTING ARSON, SUCH AS FIRE DEPARTMENTS, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, AND COURTS, SHOULD HOLD MEETINGS AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS TO COORDINATE THEIR WORK. A PUBLIC FORUM MIGHT BE A SUITABLE MECHANISM FOR COMMUNITY OFFICIALS TO USE TO DEVELOP ARSON CONTROL EFFORTS IN VIEW OF THE PUBLIC TO GAIN INTEREST AND SUPPORT. COMMUNITIES SHOULD ENCOURAGE LEGISLATORS TO MAKE ARSON A UNIFORM CRIME REPORTS CLASS I FELONY, EXPAND THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF ARSON, AND SPONSOR AN AGGRAVATED ARSON BILL. INCREASED EFFECTIVENESS IN ARSON PROSECUTION IS ESSENTIAL. COURT-WATCHING CAMPAIGNS TO FOLLOW THE DISPOSITION OF ARSON CASES AND PUBLICIZE RESULTS ARE SUGGESTED. APPENDIXES CONTAIN SAMPLE TOOLS FOR A COMMUNITY ARSON CAMPAIGN INCLUDING NEWS RELEASES, RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS, THE ILLINOIS ARSON LAW, AND A MODEL ARSON PENAL LAW. LISTS OF ILLINOIS STATE ARSON PREVENTION COMMITTEES ARE PRESENTED. (DAG)